50 ex-convicts undergo training

50 ex-convicts undergo training

BOGOR (JP): The Bogor social services office has enrolled 50
former convicts in vocational training courses to improve their
chances of earning an independent living.

Kusnadi, head of the social service office, said on Wednesday
training opportunities ranged from automotive repair to
preparation of salted eggs and noodles.

Each participant receives transportation fees of Rp 30,000
(US$3.75) a month during the four-month training course, which
started in September.

"We hope the people will be able to create their own business
or work together with their friends after the training," Kusnadi
said.

The social services office had also conducted a labor
intensive project for jobless people.

Kusnadi said one of the projects involved 120 people
cultivating six hectares of idle land in Balumbang Jaya village
in West Bogor.

He said participants received Rp 120,000 (US$16) to buy
farming tools, seeds and fertilizer. (24/jun)